US backs EU decision to consider new sanctions against Russia over Ukraine

WASHINGTON, August 31, /ITAR-TASS/. The United States has welcomed the EU summit’s decision to study the imposition of new sanctions on Russia over its position on Ukraine’s developments, White House National Security spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said on Saturday.

“We welcome the European Council’s consensus today to show strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to prepare further sanctions for consideration in coming days,” White House National Security spokeswoman Hayden said in a written statement.

“We are working closely with the EU and other partners to hold Russia accountable for its illegal actions in Ukraine, including through additional economic sanctions,” she said.

“We remain committed to supporting Ukraine as it seeks a diplomatic resolution to the crisis and call on Russia to immediately remove its military, including troops and equipment, from Ukraine and end its illicit support to the separatists,” says the U.S. official.